Local film industry shifts focus to Kennedy

Another presidential flick is expected to pump money into Richmond’s economy.

“Killing Kennedy,” a National Geographic made-for-TV movie staring Rob Lowe, will begin filming in Richmond on June 11. The crew of more than 100 people will be in the city through July 3, according to the Virginia Film Office.

They’re expected to do business with more than 100 local vendors, according to Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office. That includes hotels, rental car companies, caterers, restaurants, bars and building supply companies.

“Basically, they come in like super tourists with a payroll,” Edmunds said. “We’re talking everything from buying paper clips to renting helicopters.”

Edmunds would not comment on the film’s production budget, but said he expects the movie to “leave several million dollars in the regional economy.”

The film will be eligible for state tax credits, Edmunds said. Filmmakers are eligible to recoup on average between 20 and 25 percent of the money they pay Virginia vendors, Edmunds said.

“Killing Kennedy,” which is based on a book by Bill O’Reilly about the life and death of John F. Kennedy, is the latest in a string of movies and television shows to shoot in Virginia.